Angellike

Angellike is an English adjective used to describe something that resembles an angel in appearance or disposition. It connotes qualities traditionally ascribed to angels, such as kindness, gentleness, purity, serenity, or an ethereal beauty. The term is often employed in literary, artistic, or everyday language to convey an image of benevolent grace.

Etymology and usage: Angellike is formed by combining angel with the suffix -like. It is closely related to angelic, but angellike emphasizes a resemblance, sometimes in a more visual or affective sense. The spelling angellike can appear without a hyphen or as “angel-like” in modern writing.

Connotations and nuance: While generally positive, angellike can imply idealization or naivety if used excessively. It is common in descriptive prose, poetry, and criticism to describe individuals, creatures, or artworks that appear distinctly serene or protective. In religious or mythological contexts, it can reference attributes associated with angels, such as guardianship or transcendence.

See also: angelic, seraphic, heavenly, benevolent. While less common in scientific writing, angellike appears in biographical sketches, film criticism, and art description to capture an impression of angel-like calm or beauty.